The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry came to Kentucky when the Grand Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite was chartered in Louisville, August 21, 1852, with eight charter members.  Today, additional Scottish Rite Bodies are located in the Valleys of Covington, Madisonville, and Lexington.

The original eight members, trying to diffuse the true and genuine Masonry of the Scottish Rite, met with much discouragement and the moment existed for the most part in name only until peace was restored after the Civil War.  Very few members were received into the organization and no degrees were confered.

Many men have contributed much to the success of the Scottish Rite of Kentucky.  Among the many prominent Kentuckians to hold membership in the Scottish Rite was John Cabell Breckinridge, 33° who served as the first Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Kentucky for the Supreme Council.  He was elected vice president of the United States in 1856, serving from 1857 - 1861.  At the time of his election, he was only 35 years old, the youngest vice president in the nation's history.

Seven men have guided the destiny of the Scottish Rite in Kentucky as Sovereign Grand Inspector General.  Breckinridge was followed by Frederick Webber, 33° and John H. Cowles, 33°.  These two men goverened the Rite from 1859 until 1952.  Both held high positions in the Supreme Council, Cowles serving as Grand Commander for 31 years, retireing in 1952.  Fourth and fifth, respectively were Judge Stephen S. Jones, 33° and Charles J. Webber, 33° Ill. George R. Effinger, 33°, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, served as the sixth SGIG, retiring from the position in 1989.

Ill. John E. Moyers, 33° is the current SGIG.  He holds the high Supreme Council office of Grand Secretary General.  Brother Moyers is Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky and is a member of the Louisville Scottish Rite.